28. on the Challenger nib, 6. on its barrel

[oliverob]

This pretty black, push-button Challenger has a couple of numbers that confuse me.

Does the 28. on the nib indicate perhaps the eighth year of the second decade, perhaps 1938? 1948? And the dot after the 28, the third quarter?
And the 6. on the barrel, third quarter of 1946?

Can someone enlighten me please?

Thanks in advance,

Oliver

[oliverob]

I forgot to ask, is this nib 14K or gold plate?

[pen lady]

Gold nib, but just to add to your confusion, it's probably a replacement. Parker stopped making Challengers in 1941, so I'd assume your pen dates from 1936, who knows what happened to the original nib.  It will help you to check out this site parkercollector.com  Good luck

[oliverob]

Thanks for the elucidations. You don't happen to know what the "28." on the nib signifies do you?

[joss]

"28." on the nib means 1938 2nd quarter. It is believed that the dot indicates the quarter's month, with a single dot referring to the third month. So the manufacturing date of the nib is June 1938.

[oliverob]

Joss,
I am once again indebted to your kindness in sharing your obviously extensive knowledge that now I know to cover both Sheaffers and Parkers!
Thank you!